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Walk, Hike, Bike and History
June 4, 2025 through November 9, 2025
IDNR's State Historic Sites in Springfield invite you to check out our popular Walk, Hike and Bike History programs, returning again in 2025. Walk, Hike and Bike History is a series of inspiring outdoor experiences that connect you to "must-see" museums and monuments in the capital city. Guided by history education interpreters from IDNR's Office of Land Management, Walk, Hike and Bike History experiences range in duration from one to two hours. Reservations, which are encouraged but not required, can be made on the IDNR website. All experiences will be limited in capacity per current guidelines outlined by the Illinois Department of Public Health. All experiences are free and donations are appreciated.
2025 Walk, Hike and Bike History events will run from June 4 through November 9. The schedule for these events and sign up links can be found below.
| Day | Time | Experience | Meeting Location | Make a Reservation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Wednesday |
10:00 AM |
Black History Walk |
Lincoln Tomb |
|
|
Thursday |
10:00 AM |
Architecture Walking Tour |
Lincoln Statue at 6th and Adams Streets |
|
|
Friday |
10:00 AM |
Underground Railroad Walk |
Lincoln Home Visitor Center |
|
|
Friday |
1:00 PM |
1908 Race Riot Walking Tour |
Lincoln Statue at 6th and Adams Streets |
|
|
Friday |
2:00 PM |
Abolitionists to Suffragists: Amazing Illinois Women Walking Tour |
Lincoln Home Visitor Center |
|
|
Saturday |
10:00 AM |
Architecture Walking Tour |
Lincoln Statue at 6th and Adams Streets |
|
|
Sunday |
1:00 PM |
1908 Race Riot Walking Tour |
Lincoln Statue at 6th and Adams Streets |
Walk, Hike and Bike History Experiences
- 1908 Race Riot Walking Tour - Walk downtown Springfield streets with a guide and learn about a summer weekend in 1908 when violent mobs terrorized Springfield’s African American citizens. We will share stories not only of hatred and devastation but of courage and resilience in the face of concerted attack. The 1.5-mile walking tour takes a little over one hour. Meet at the Lincoln Statues on Adams Street Plaza.
- Underground Railroad Walk - This 1 hour, 1-mile walking tour explores several locations throughout Springfield which hold a special significance to the Underground Railroad. This tour includes visits to the Old State Capitol and the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and explores other lesser-known locations around the city. Each stop details Springfield’s importance to the Underground Railroad and the historical figures associated with them. Meet outside the Lincoln Home Visitor Center.
- Architecture Walking Tour – Take a guided walking tour in downtown Springfield and explore some of its most notable buildings. This tour highlights the striking architectural details that define these structures while uncovering the rich history of the visionaries and inhabitants who brought them to life. Meet at the Lincoln Statues on Adam’s Street Plaza.
- Abolitionists to Suffragists: Amazing Illinois Women Walking Tour - This 1.5-hour walking tour will begin at the Lincoln Home Visitor Center and travel to various historic sites in downtown Springfield as we discuss the stories of Illinois women who worked to abolish slavery and expand civil rights for women and people of color. This tour concludes with an optional tour of the Vachel Lindsay Home, expanding on the role of Kate Lindsay and the Lindsay Home empowering Illinois women in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Meet at the Lincoln Home Visitor Center.
- Black History Walk - This 90-minute walk through Oak Ridge Cemetery focuses on the history of Springfield’s Black community, discussing great tragedies as well as stories of success in the face of severe adversity and prejudice. Water and hiking shoes recommended. Presented with the Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum. Meet at the Lincoln Tomb Parking Lot.
